Minnesota K-12 Test Scores Stable, Attendance Shows Improvement
Minnesota officials released data on August 29, 2023, showing that K-12 test scores in reading and math have remained steady over the past year. Despite the lack of significant change in performance, attendance rates across the state have seen a positive increase, indicating more students are engaging with their education.
According to the latest figures from the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA), just under 50% of students met the state’s proficiency standard in reading, consistent with the previous year’s results. In math, 45.21% of students demonstrated proficiency, slightly down from 45.5% in 2022. State Education Commissioner Willie Jett remarked, “As students return for a new school year, this data gives us information about where students are and how we can best support them.”
The MCA is administered annually to students statewide each spring, and the data is available on the Minnesota Department of Education’s website. Education experts assert that while these tests provide valuable insights into the education system’s performance, they may not accurately reflect high school students’ progress.
Julio Caesar, the executive director of research, evaluation, and assessment at Bloomington Public Schools, expressed concerns about the reliability of the scores. “We’re not confident in those scores because exam opt-out rates are fairly significant in our district,” he stated. He explained that high school students often prioritize standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT, which they view as more relevant to their future. “Many of our high school students tell us that they’re prioritizing tests that matter to them,” Caesar noted, adding, “they feel that there’s very little incentive to try on the state test.”
In light of these sentiments, Caesar and his colleagues have advocated for Minnesota to reconsider the MCA testing framework for high school students, suggesting a focus on the ACT and SAT instead.
Attendance Trends Indicate Positive Shift
In addition to the assessment scores, state officials also reported an increase in student attendance for the 2023-2024 academic year. The data reveals that 75.5% of students attended classes at least 90% of the time, a rise from 74.5% in the prior year. Chronic absenteeism has been a significant concern for educators and policymakers, particularly following the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Michael Diedrich, a policy expert at the Minnesota Department of Education, attributed the improved attendance rates to ongoing efforts by schools to foster connections between students, teachers, and their communities. “The broader context here is trying to make sure that districts across the state are continuing to make efforts to re-establish connections between schools, students, and families by increasing the sense of belonging at schools,” he said.
Diedrich emphasized that improving attendance is not merely about compliance but also about strengthening the relationships between families and schools. “When we talk about improving attendance, it’s about what is that strength of connectedness between students and families in their schools.”
Furthermore, state leaders highlighted the challenges posed by federal educational policies during the Trump administration, which they believe complicate their efforts. Jett stated, “We’re making sure that, as the storm is going on — and I’m using that word storm, as things are uncertain — that we’re trying to make sure that we shield our educators and our young people so that they can do the important work within a classroom.”
Overall, while Minnesota’s K-12 test scores remain stable, the uptick in attendance is a sign of progress as the state continues to navigate the complexities of post-pandemic education.
